Stamp collectors in Vancouver are privileged to belong to the British Columbia Philatelic Society, a stamp club that has existed continuously for 90 years. Known popularly as the "B.C. Phil", the Society was founded on November 27, 1919 as the result of efforts of a stamp collector named G.S. Ketcheson. Its first president was Samuel Grintzburger. Twice-monthly meetings were held at the Hotel Vancouver. By the end of 1919 the society had 35 members.

Members of the B.C. Philatelic Society enjoy the ending moments of one of the club’s silent auctions, held Oct. 30, 2002.

The purpose of the society is as relevant today as it was in 1919: "To educate and publicize the hobby of philately to as wide an audience as possible, to recruit new members, and to form bonds with collectors and clubs throughout North America and abroad."

The society is an affiliate of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada, the American Philatelic Society, and the Northwest Federation of Stamp Clubs. We meet at the West Burnaby United Church; see our schedule for upcoming meetings.

At this time, our membership stands at 80. They include 11 Life Members: David Allen, Ken Barlow, June Gibson, Basil Hunter, Trevor Larden, Roger Packer, Bill Robinson, Eric Ranger, Gene Smith, and Bill Topping. Life Members are selected according to their service to the Society and their term of membership; once selected, they are no longer required to pay annual membership fees.

The Society also benefits from the membership of five stamp dealers: Steveston Stamp Auctions Ltd., FvH Stamps, and All Nations Stamp & Coin are located in Metro Vancouver; Weeda Stamps Ltd. was a Vancouver dealer until , when the company relocated to Victoria. We also enjoy the membership of several part-time dealers. See our dealer web page for additional information.

The Society has sponsored stamp shows since 1927, according to available records. Vanpex (Vancouver Philatelic Exhibition) became a national-level show in 2001, and earned an enviable reputation for excellence. Demographics seem to be against us, however, with an aging membership base. We do have younger members, but they hold down full-time jobs and can't spare the time to volunteer for the myriad jobs a big stamp show requires. As a result, we the Society had to cancel plans for Vanpex 2008, but held a successful one-day local exhibition, BC150. Vanpex returned in 2009 as a two-day regional show; Vanpex 2010 is planned as another two-day regional show on Oct. 1-2. exhibition in 2009.

The Society publishes a newsletter three times a year; the editor is Yichuan Sang. It is distributed to members at club meetings, and by mail and e-mail. It is also available at local stamp shops.

The club owns a small philatelic library of general and specialized philatelic catalogues and literature, all of which can be borrowed by any member.

Once a month, the Society receives circuit books as well as stamp lots and covers on approval from the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. Members can request specific countries or other collecting areas.

Membership in the B.C. Philatelic Society is open to any collector of good character. Annual membership fees are $20 for individuals, $30 for families, and $7.50 for students under 18. Fees are pro-rated for members joining in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th quarters.

Please consider joining us. All you need to do is fill out a membership form, which you can find on our membership Information page.